Removal by grinding is tricky especially if you don’t have enough experience with it. You can read more about the process of grinding here.

But when homeowners left the stump alone, they need to adjust the use of their land. The bottom part of the tree is usually a hindrance especially if you decide to do landscapes and plant beautiful flowers. Of you are having second thoughts on removing the remnants of the tree on your garden, then read why you need to remove a tree’s remnants.

Your Lawn Will Appear More Beautiful

Growing grasses on your lawn and grooming it to perfection requires that it should be immaculately free from stumps and logs.

If you have remnants of trees left lying on your lawn, it can be unsightly especially to your visitors. A manicured and immaculate lawn will require you to remove debris and other things that do not belong in it.

Lessen the Chances of Stumbling

Tree remnants that are located in the middle of your yard can pose a safety hazard to your family. Your children or anyone can trip on it and fall on their faces.

Your family members might face serious injuries which can be prevented if you decided to remove the tree remnants in the first place. When you remove it, you will have the peace of mind that your kids are free to play on your lawn without tripping on stumps

Get Additional Space

Stumps occupy a lot of space. This is especially true if the tree was old and big. If you plan to grow flowers on an area, and you find the protruding trunk a nuisance, you can always remove it. Space can be turned into something that can add beauty to your lawn. Removing stumps with the help of Martinez Tree Service Removal – Stump Grinding Experts are helpful especially if you have limited space inside your yard.

Prevent Insects, Unwanted Plants, and Pests

A dead tree remnant can be home to many pests and small insects. You might find a lot of mosquitoes, ants, and other pests that breed in the remnants. There are also unwanted plants such as sprouts and mushrooms that can grow in the tree’s remains. Removing remnants along with their roots can save you the trouble of pest control and will make your area much cleaner.

A dead tree remnant can be home to many pests and small insects. You might find a lot of mosquitoes, ants, and other pests that breed in the remnants. There are also unwanted plants such as sprouts and mushrooms that can grow in the tree’s remains. Removing remnants along with their roots can save you the trouble of pest control and will make your area much cleaner.

Why Get a Professional

A neat, green, and clean yard are what homeowners are aiming for. However, stumps do not contribute to the picture and therefore, should be removed. Here are the reasons why you need experts for the removal service.

Many people know that grinding requires skill and experience. It is hard and if you don’t know the right way of handling the tools, you can be injured while doing the job. Here are other reasons why most homeowners hire experts.

Expertise and Skill –

Most arborists have lots of experience and stump grinding can take less time with them. They know the right tools and machinery to use that will remove the remnants of the trees in no time.

Time-Efficient –

They won’t spend an entire day just removing a single stump. Because arborists have the right equipment and skill, it will take them less than an hour to do the service.

Read more about arborists here:

other valuable tips:

Insured and Safe –

Unwanted accidents can easily be avoided. Arborists know the right ways to secure the area. They take precautions in performing dangerous tasks and handling heavy equipment. Most of them also have insurance so that you won’t be liable in case accidents happen.

Cleaning Up is a Breeze –

All the debris that has been removed will be disposed of properly. You will have a clean space after the professionals are done with the removal. You can also ask arborists to prepare the soil and plant flowers.

There are other reasons why you need to remove stumps and other tree remnants on your yard. The process will be very beneficial to the overall look of your house and the safety of your family. However, regardless of your purpose for removing the stump, you should consult with the professionals first. They have personnel who can do the job quickly and efficiently.

There are a host of benefits to doing so, the biggest one being that you’ll never have to rummage through your shed (and turn it upside down in the process) looking for something ever again. Everything you need will be exactly where it needs to be, exactly when you need it to be there!

To find out what you can to do organize your garden shed maximize its storage capacity, be sure to read on.

Be strategic when it comes to shelving

You cannot just dump your worldly belongings on your shed’s floor; doing this would only increase the likelihood of you falling over and injuring yourself whenever you spend time within it.

It is important, then, that you make use of vertical storage and that you fit a number of shelves to the walls of your shed.

You shouldn’t just choose any old shelves, though; you need to invest in shelves that are robust enough to hold your belongings yet small enough to fit in your shed, so you must be strategic in this instance.

One way to do that is to check out the shelving and racking range available at G-rack.co.uk. Here, you will be able to find heavy-duty, reduced-space shelves that will no doubt prove strong enough for your tools yet compact enough to fit in your small, tight area.

If you really want to be strategic when it comes to shelving, consider investing in a magnetic bar. This will allow you to hand up tools without having to use up copious amounts of space on your shed walls. Whatever you do, just be sure to invest in a magnetic bar that is going to be able to hold all your tools safely and securely.

Hang some tools on the shed’s exterior walls

If you truly want to get the most out of your shed, you need to think outside the box. More to the point, you actually have to think outside the shed. Certain tools, such as shovels and rakes, will hang perfectly on your shed’s exterior walls; in the interests of maximizing storage capacity within the shed, you need to be making full use of these walls by fitting hanging units to them.

other valuable tips:

In order to protect the tools that you hang up on your shed’s exterior from the elements, you might want to consider building a roof overhang. This will see your tools remain in better condition over a longer period, simply because they will not be at the mercy of sunlight and rain.

If you’ve ran out of storage space in your home or if you’re in need of a space that you can run to when you’re in need of some alone time, your garden shed could prove to be the perfect answer. To make sure that the space is fit for purpose, be sure to heed the organization tips listed above.

Therefore, they get bird feeders to bring nature into their backyards or gardens. Some want to watch the colorful and little backyard birds called finches. Read more about finches in this link.

Finches come in many colors including orange, red, gold, and yellow. They are one of the most sought-after species because they can give the backyard a colorful vibe. If you are one of the people who want to attract finches, you may want to know more information about them.

What They Feed On

These birds have an uncanny ability to cling on feeders while eating. They can even eat upside down. Most of them love a mix of seeds. Finches can’t resist thistles because it is a great source of energy. It is high in oil and the small kernels are perfect for finches. However, once the thistles lose their oiliness, then these little winged species may lose its attraction to the food. This is why the thistles should be stored inside an airtight container.

Here are some of the styles that you can choose from when choosing feeders.

Upside Down Tube

Upside down tubes are perfect for goldfinch varieties. These species eat upside down with no problems. The perch is positioned at the port’s top and it is unlike a regular tube where the perch is placed under the port. These are specially designed for birds that will only eat when they are upside down.

Mesh

The mesh is designed for clinging birds. The surfaces are all combined in one big port. The mesh feeder is designed for any birds to pull any seeds that they desire anywhere on the tube. Most finches will prefer something where they can cling anywhere instead of crowing on a single feeding point with other birds. The diamond opening and the metals keep the seeds from falling.

2-in-1 Tube

There are a few ports with lots of functionalities such as the 2-in-1 tube. These can make you give the birds two or more kinds of seeds whenever you want. The tube will let you offer thistle today, sunflower seeds the next day, and any other kinds of seeds the next week.

There is a port where the seeds are located. All you have to do is to change it from the small slit to the large slit opening and you are good to go. Many homeowners find this very flexible and convenient.

Hanging Tube Feeder

This features bright caps to attract birds to your backyard. Many finches can feed on the feeder at once because it can accommodate several seed ports at the same time. The tube empties downwards and it can be hanged using a wire that is pole mounted. There are drainage holes that prevent moisture from building inside. This means that the bacteria and mold won’t have a chance to accumulate with the seeds.

other valuable tips:

Tips in Looking for the Right Feeder

To make life easier for you and the birds, you should look for something easy to clean. You should choose a feeder with versatility and which you can hang anywhere. You want something that has perches so that the birds can be at peace with feeding. The small holes can attract small birds while the larger holes are for other kinds of large bird species.

The feeder should hold at least 2 pounds of bird seeds and thistles so that you won’t need to restock often. The removable bottom portion that provides access to easy cleaning may need additional support. Bird watching is a very relaxing pastime. You can attract lots of finches, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, and other colorful birds in your backyard if you know how to look for the right feeder.

Create a Budget and Detailed Plan

You may have a general idea of what you want to gain from your garden remodel, but sometimes a rough idea isn’t enough.

It’s always better to make a note of exactly what you want to achieve, right down to the last decorative detail, in order to better implement a budget and work out exactly what you need to do to accomplish everything on the list, within your budget.

Hire Equipment

If you’re planning a full-scale remodel, then you may need the help of professional construction equipment to get the job done properly. This could be anything from utility vehicles to fork-lifts, if you need assistance moving heavy items such as paving or stone, on a much larger scale.

In the initial planning stages of your remodel, consider exactly what you want to achieve in your remodel, and the best way to achieve it – you may need to hire equipment and external contractors to help get the job done efficiently. Reliable construction equipment providers will be able to help you with your requirements.

Be Cautious with Excavation

If you’re planning on digging and venturing deep into the ground, and you have never done so before, it may be the case that there is rock or stone underneath. It’s not always guaranteed that you’ll have soft soil to overturn wherever you begin to dig, so take extra precautions and planning in case you hit unexpected stone or discover something under the ground which you didn’t expect to be there, as this can change your plans.

Decide on Lawn or Stone

The main choice to make when it comes to a garden overhaul is whether you prefer stone or grass. A lot of people prefer the practicality of paving or gravel, where they don’t have to worry about constantly cutting and maintaining their lawn, whereas others couldn’t imagine having a garden without lush, green grass. A remodel is the perfect time to make the decision on what works best for you, so take the time to think about your long-term plans and what sort of ground you would prefer for your outdoor space.

Plan Who Will Do the Work

There will be a lot of tasks you can fulfill yourself, but for large remodeling, it’s likely you may need the help of construction workers or professional contractors. You should make enquiries and fit these costs into your remodeling budget if necessary. You can always seek the advice of professionals in the first instance if you’re unsure, as you may be able to do more yourself than you initially thought.

Unfortunately, we aren’t all gifted with being creative and getting the perfect design for your home can be a bit of a hurdle. We will discuss three home exterior design tips to help you make the most out of your outdoor space and re-ignite the spark in your home.

Create New Spaces with Purposes

Take a look at your outdoor space. Does it feel like you have one large square that is under-utilized? Depending on where it sits, consider setting up a stylish outdoor kitchen, grill, dining area, bar, relaxing bay or kitchen garden.

Create flow and life in the section you decide to go along with, in the large square. It includes similar lighting, furnishings, patterns, and colors. Seek advice from deck builders when looking for the best outdoor furnishings to invest in.

You don’t want the space to be too busy, which might steal the attention and limelight from the main house. The idea here is to have the small outdoor space become part of the main house. Consider establishing a specific purpose for your outdoor space, like you would any other room in your home, to guide you in the design. You might want a deck for outdoor cooking, entertaining, working out, or just unwinding from a day of work.

Add and Soften Hardscapes

If your outdoor space is idle, consider adding hardscapes. However, they can be too cold if your idea of a hardscape is placing large slabs of stone on steps or a patio. Consider going out of the ordinary by planting small crawling plants and leaves around the rock edges.

These natural additions should add some color and warmth to your outdoor space. It’s also a unique design that invites nature to be part of your homestead. You could add a few potted plants and art next to the hardscapes to complete the natural look. Growing ivy over concrete retaining walls can allow you to soften up the landscaping and create a more cozy space as well.

Green up Your Exterior Walls

If you love gardens and green nature, this should be an exciting idea for you. Instead of applying a fresh coat of paint every season, choose decorative crawling foliage or vines with vegetables and fruits. This design tip is an excellent way to develop a formal yet unique look for your exterior space. You could also maximize your garden using your walls. Ensure that you invest in a great anchoring system for the plants to prevent it from destroying the siding and the vertical garden.

Now you have three workable designs to get your outdoor space in shape. Revamp your exterior space today and reward yourself with an inviting space.

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]]>https://www.letsrenovate.com/2019/09/01/home-exterior-design-tips-utilizing-your-outdoor-space/feed/0How to Fix Up a Yard With a Pondhttps://www.letsrenovate.com/2019/08/14/landscape-yard-with-decorative-pond/
https://www.letsrenovate.com/2019/08/14/landscape-yard-with-decorative-pond/#respondWed, 14 Aug 2019 04:56:38 +0000https://www.letsrenovate.com/?p=34736

Many people dream of one day owning a home that overlooks water. Some people want that water to be the beach or a lake, but those homes are often expensive. It's a modern trend to instead look for a home that has a pond.

Ponds come in many different shapes and sizes for homeowners. You may have built your pond yourself or it could have formed naturally on your property before you ever moved in. However you got your pond, there are a few things homeowners should know about pond property maintenance. Read on to learn how to fix up a yard with a pond, so your pond always looks its best.

1. Do Some Lawn Care

When you’re a new homeowner, the thought of getting to do your own lawn care may be exciting. You can plant whatever plants you like around your home and take pride in being the one to make them all look amazing.

At some point, lawn care becomes a chore for everyone. Even though you may not want to be out in the heat, it’s crucial to do some lawn care every once and a while. This is especially true if you have a pond.

Overgrown ponds are never something that looks good. Lawn care can fix this problem in less than a few hours. Use a lawn mower and weed wacker to cut down the grasses and plants around your pond that shouldn’t be there. Pull out troublesome weeds and spray for any insects like ants who may have made a home nearby.

After doing a little lawn care, your pond will already look as good as new. Then you can move on to the more fine tuning parts of fixing up your yard.

2. Clear Out Major Roots

If your pond was something that you installed in your yard, you probably had to clear any major roots out of the area. These can rip through pond lining, so it’s good to check and make sure that they haven’t grown back.

See if you need to clear out major roots, if it’s been a while since you installed your pond. You’ll give your pond a longer lifespan this way and keep it looking its best.

3. Empty Drainage Pipes

Any water feature in a yard has to have drainage pipes. If your area had a flood of lots of rain, the pond would need a way to drain out before it overflowed and ruined your yard. As time goes on, these drainage pipes can become clogged.

Yard debris and algae make it difficult for water to drain efficiently, which is why you should clean your drainage pipes every few months.You can use a drain snake to clear out clogs near the intake, or call a professional to use a roto rooter and remove debris that’s wedged its way deeper into the pipes.

4. Rent a Pressure Washer

Smaller man made ponds typically have some kind of pond liner or large rocks around the bottom of the pond. This is a where algae thrives, which can be good for the ecosystem if you have fish and other animals in your pond. Still, the algae can overgrow and end up making your pond look unkempt. If this is the case with your pond, try renting a pressure washer.

Drain the pond so the bottom is exposed and then pressure wash the liner and rocks. Clean all the algae away if your pond normally doesn’t have fish or anything else living in it. If it does, leave a small bit of algae to grow back and restore the natural balance of your pond’s ecosystem.

5. Treat With Natural Bacteria

Larger natural ponds with no liner still get algae, and that makes it a little more difficult to clean them. A good choice for these pond owners is to treat the water with natural bacteria.

It may sound backwards to add bacteria to a pond that’s overflowing with algae, but it’s an easy and simple solution. The microbial teams in the natural bacteria reduce the build up and bad smell of your pond, without completely wiping out what’s naturally supposed to be there.

6. Install a Dock

After you’ve done some yard work and cleaned out your pond, it may feel like it’s still missing something if it’s of a larger size. Consider installing a dock to make your pond look more like the body of water that it is.

You should also think about what you’d use the dock for. Would it only be there to create a visual aesthetic or would you put out a few chairs for fishing? Depending on what you want to use it for, the size of your dock will change.

7. Check pH Balance

Checking the pH balance of your pond regularly is an important part of fixing up your yard if it has fish in it. Fish need a pH level of 7.5 to 8 in order to thrive, so you should check this with an at-home pH test kit.

What do you do if the level is off? Add limestone chips to raise the pH to a normal level, and if the level is too high, you can sprinkle pond salt over the water and let it settle.

other valuable tips:

8. Use a Pond Rake

The last thing your pond may need is some time spent raking. Pond rakes are just like old yard rakes. They’re thin and made of metal, so the spikes are close together. Rake the top of the water to catch floating algae and debris.

This may take a good half hour, depending on the size of your pond, but it’s the fastest way to make it look brand new. Consider raking your yard every other day, especially during stormy seasons where there will be new debris after each storm.

Give Yourself Time

Take some time on the weekend to give your yard and your pond a little bit of love. Whether the pond has algae overgrowth, needs a dock or requires some pH help, a quick afternoon may be all you need to fix up your yard.

A big part of the project will involve choosing the right types of materials for the deck and deciding whether you are going to build the deck yourself or hire a professional installer. You’ll also need to figure out which deck tiles to use and choose the right outdoor flooring based on factors like climate, your budget, and the overall use of the space. Here are some important things to consider when you are building a deck for your outdoor space:

Designing Deck Plans

Your initial deck planning will involve measuring the available space, looking at different constructions, and determining exactly where the structure will stand. Then, it comes down to making the decision and choosing the size and style of your deck — including what it will be used for.

For example, will you be hosting barbecues and cocktail parties on the deck, using it as a lounge area, creating dedicated space for yoga or exercise, or will it be an open space for an outdoor garden? Deciding what the main purpose of the deck will be can help you choose the right layout and materials.

Working with a contractor to design the deck plans can make this process easier. The contractor can provide a blueprint and framework for the job, give you an estimate about how long it will take, and give you an idea of different deck tiles and flooring options that would be a good fit for your particular project. Getting a professional opinion can help to move your project forward.

Choosing the Right Materials

Choosing the right types of deck tiles or outdoor flooring for your project is critical for making this a successful project. There are several different types of deck tile flooring options available, and most are made of eco-friendly materials that can withstand changing temperatures.

Deck tiles and other types of outdoor flooring designed specifically for decks and patios are also rot-resistant. Unlike natural wood flooring, these tiles won’t be prone to rotting away or deterioration over time because of all the exposure to the elements.

In most cases, deck tiles are easy to install and are easily replaceable when needed. Many types of tiles simply snap together to create a pattern and don’t require any special tools or advanced skills to place them. You can choose from several wooden deck tiles for a natural look or even stone and concrete tiles, depending on the space.

Stone deck tiles are becoming increasingly popular and can create a more modern look. Unlike wood planks, stone tiles can be laid out in a number of different patterns and are available in several shades, textures, and colors to create a unique outdoor space.

Estimating Costs and Budgets

Calculating the total costs of your deck-building project can be daunting, but it’s a necessary step for ensuring you stay within your budget. In addition to the cost of materials and supplies, you need to factor in costs such as:

General maintenance costs for that particular type of flooring or deck tiles

Hiring a Professional or DIY

Unlike laying down flooring inside the home, building a deck requires special techniques. This is why it can pay to hire an expert construction builder who has experience building decks of different sizes and shapes.

If your deck has multiple stairs or levels, it’s even more important to have it built by a professional. You may need to cut down different sizes of wood to make sure the stairs don’t wobble, or you may need to install latches and frames around certain parts of the deck for structural integrity. All of these techniques can be learned as a DIY project, but doing it yourself does run the risk of you making some costly mistakes.

If it’s a simple deck build over a flat surface and you are confident in your DIY skills, you may be able to complete the project yourself with some basic tools and supplies. If the project is more complex, hiring a contractor could help ensure the deck is built safely and securely.

Maintaining Your New Deck

After the building phase is over, you may need to invest some time and money in keeping the deck clean and preventing problems down the road. If you chose any type of natural wood flooring or plank flooring for the construction project, you may need to use special cleaning tools and materials to keep your deck in good shape. Natural wood planks will require sealing treatments at least once a year to prevent termite damage or rotting and erosion.

If you chose deck tiles made out of concrete or brick, you may need to check the tiles regularly and replace any cracked or broken tiles. Weeds that start growing between the tiles will need to be removed. If it’s a raised deck, making sure there aren’t any cracks or large spaces between deck tiles can help you keep the deck in good shape. Doing some research on outdoor flooring for decks and patios can help you get a fair idea of how much it will cost to maintain that deck for many years to come.

other valuable tips:

Building a deck is a popular outdoor project, but there are several things you need to consider before you jump into the construction process. From choosing the right outdoor flooring for the space to making sure you’re accounting for all the project material costs, your deck building project will require mapping out a complete project plan.

Working with a professional deck builder can save you time over a DIY project, but it will end up adding more to the cost of the project. But when it’s all done, the benefits of the deck will be felt by you, your family and your friends when you’re able to entertain in your new, outdoor space.

Such a yard or garden offers you the perfect place to enjoy a cup of tea, chat with friends and family, or meditate quietly. While there are many elements that would lend themselves to the creation of a forest-like aesthetic in your yard, the following four count among the easiest to find and to work with.

Log Benches

Log benches bring the tree element into your garden space. They also blend in with your outdoor decor instead of creating a jarring visual difference. Log benches below tall trees, near an outdoor fountain, or around a patio are just some of the ways you can introduce a tree-inspired element into your garden. While unfinished log benches can be aesthetically appealing, you may want to go with a finished and stained variant to deter pests from settling in.

Natural Stone Paving

Choose different stone shapes and styles that complement each other. Octagonal paving tiles combined with rectangular ones for contrast work well near a river rock dry bed. You can also opt for alternating colors of sandstone, limestone, or slate.

Evergreen Trees and Shrubs

The scent of evergreens and shrubs recreates the smell of a mountain forest, and their presence provides you and yours with privacy, shade, and comfort. If you opt for this kind of greenery in your yard or garden, then choose trees and bushes of different sizes. Doing this creates visual interest by providing the eye with different heights and textures to look at.

Wood Chip Mulch

Your flowerbeds take on a more woodsy vibe if you lay down wood chip mulch. This addition protects the ground, brings a wood scent to your flowerbeds, and provides the space with a natural look. Choose cedar, maple, or oak wood chips to add variety to your garden. If you have planted evergreens in the yard, then wood chip mulch will bring a different scent element to the yard.

other valuable tips:

The mountain woods aesthetic counts as one of the most beautiful and serene decorative landscaping styles. Items like log benches, mulch, shrub varieties, and natural stone paving count as just a few of the elements of the mountain woods aesthetic. If you live near a woodsy area or just want to preserve a sense of natural wonder in your yard, consider these methods of sprucing up your outdoor space.

As good weather is almost at a standstill in the earliest months of the summer, this dry season is the ideal weather to renovate one’s yard. The following are four projects homeowners should complete while the weather is still dry outside.

Refinish the Patio

The finishes on patios tend to last several years, but there’s no hiding the wear and tear on a patio’s finish as it starts to deteriorate. As the finish on the patio begins to wear away, it’s best to start fixing this problem sooner rather than later—specifically in the earlier days of summer while the weather is dry.

Depending on the type of patio a homeowner has, they may be tempted to refinish the floor themselves. In the case of a concrete patio, it’s better to turn to a professional concrete liftingcompany to handle the job from start to finish.

Fix the Driveway

Cracking in an asphalt driveway is normal over time. However, fixing one’s asphalt can be grueling work, especially for homeowners interested in the DIY route.

Whether homeowners take on this time-consuming project themselves or hire professionals to do the job, the intensive process of pouring asphalt is much more enjoyable to do in the earliest months of summer, before the rains begin.

Repair the Fence

Summertime means more time for children to play in the backyard. While there’s no replacement for parental supervision, in addition to having an adult nearby, homeowners must make sure their yards are properly protected by a strong fence. Ideally, homeowners should work to fortify their fences before children are out of school to help guarantee their safety during the long summer days ahead.

Refresh the Lawn

Lawns can tend to fade away after the harshness of winter. After the first thaws of the spring, homeowners will likely notice patches of brown in their lawn. These areas are where the grass has died over the past few months. Before the hottest days of the summer roll in, these homeowners would do well to start refreshing their lawn.

other valuable tips:

While all lawns can benefit from greener grass, there are a variety of ways to bring one’s lawn back to life. Seeding tends to work for patches of dead spots on the lawn while bringing in fresh squares of grass is a better option for the lawn that really needs a full makeover.

Don’t let summer get away before completing a majority of your renovation projects. Keep this guide handy as you plan out which areas you’ll tackle in the next few months.

Alexa, set the outside temperature to 75 degrees, add a pleasant breeze, bring out the sun and crack a cold beverage for me. Didn’t work for you either, did it? Oh well—the warmer weather most of us love is back on its way anyway!

And for gadget hounds, that might mean finding new enhancements for your patio setup. From a rockin’ new Bluetooth speaker to outdoor lighting to a brand-new way to bird watch, what’s truly innovative this spring and summer in the Internet of Things? Grab your flip-flops and your grilling spatula and let’s go see.

U-Tote AC600 Dual Band Outdoor Wi-Fi Access Point

Before you start springing for the cool new patio devices you just can’t live without, make sure you’ve got that sweet, precious Wi-Fi that those devices need. If your outdoor Wi-Fi can be charitably described as “spotty,” you probably need an outdoor range extender/access point. These come in many flavors.

Some high-end models are housed in an outdoor weatherproof box that has a NEMA 4 rating or higher to protect from wind and rain, while others offer more basic protection.

A good compromise is the U-Tote AC600 Wi-Fi Access Point, which has a very solid IP65 waterproofing rating and boasts a cooler-load of other features as well. Plus, honestly, the thing just looks cool, with an unusual vertical design that sets it apart from its competition.

Klipsch AWR-650-SM Rock Speaker

Are you ready to rock? If so, are you also ready to listen to music from a stereo shaped like a rock? We’ll give you a minute to think about that one, but in the meantime, check out this awesome rock-shaped Bluetooth speaker.

This is no low-quality novelty. The 6 ½-inch woofer and dual ¾-inch tweeters provide serious sound, and it can handle up to 50 watts. If you’ve got some particularly great landscaping you’re proud of, these speakers can enhance it even more with a hefty dose of bass.

Grillbot

“A Roomba—for your grill!” You wish you’d thought of it, right? The Grillbot is a handy little guy that’s perfect for cleaning the gunk off the grill after a hard day of barbecuing.

With the power of three heavy-duty wire brushes powered by electric motors, it’s the fastest and easiest way to get your grill looking brand-new. We only have one piece of advice: Don’t mix it up with your regular Roomba, or you might be refinishing your hardwood floors.

Weber iGrill Mini

Imperfection? Uncertainty? There’s no room for those when you’re working the grill! With the Weber iGrill Mini, you can easily monitor the temperature of any burger, steak, chicken breast or whatever you’ve chosen to throw on the barbecue.

Just get the thermometer in the meat and then go grab a drink by the pool. The sensor will ping your app when the meat’s at the perfect temperature. Whether you like it still mooing or you’re the well-done type, the iGrill Mini will help you get it just exactly perfect

Philips Hue Smart Outdoor Lighting System

The Philips Hue is the gold standard of smart patio lighting systems. Take a look at the features and it’s easy to see why. You can embrace your inner Monet by choosing from a full palette of 16 million colors via the Hue app—or, if that sounds like a nightmare of option paralysis to you.

Philips also provides some very nice presets. The accompanying app allows you to set your outdoor lights to turn on automatically when you get home or turn off when you leave, and you can use it for outdoor security lights as well.

Lightning Cornhole Electronic Scoring Boards

This one might not count as a proper smart device since it has no Wi-Fi or app features, but we still think it’s pretty cool. Cornhole is a classic patio game, and the Lightning Cornhole Electronic Scoring Boards will make for some awesome competition at your next barbecue.

They come with a wide variety of vinyl decorations, and the large digital display makes tallying your score easy—just hit the up/down button whenever you score. The best feature of all? Both the scoreboard and the hole light up, so you can keep the game going after dark!

Bird Photo Booth 2.0

For true nature lovers, the Bird Photo Booth 2.0 is where it’s at. This ingenious device is a motion-activated camera attached to a bird feeder that helps you get up close and personal with the feathered friends in your backyard.

When a bird comes to visit, the camera sends a notification to your phone—so you can snap images and record 4K video! It’s an awesome tool for bird lovers, kids and anyone who wants to get to know nature a little more closely.

Spyra One Next Generation Water Gun

Should you find yourself in a water gun arms race this summer (and who hasn’t?), the Spyra One is a near-guaranteed key to victory. This futuristic water gun would look right at home in a sci-fi video game, is apparently capable of shooting water up to 40 feet under ideal conditions and features a digital display that tells you when you’re about to run dry.

It’s not available yet, but a Kickstarter page is up with a pictured prototype (featuring a picture of a woman whose face threatens murder if the guy holding the Spyra shoots her with it).

other valuable tips:

Dreaming of your feet in the pool, a beverage in your hand and a delicious meal sizzling on the grill? We figured, because that’s what we were doing while writing this article, too. So, when you’re planning your next warm-weather event, whether it’s a garden party soiree, a beer-and-brats barbecue or a little of both, keep these options in mind when you’re thinking of how to make your party a little smarter. Have fun, be safe and don’t forget the smartest gadget of all—sunscreen.